Feel free to forward this message. My apologies for cross-postings.

Hello colleagues and friends,

I will be presenting a paper on novel approaches to employment accommodation
at the CSUN conference next Friday. If you are attending the conference, I
hope to see you at the session. A short version of the paper is posted at
http://www.cantoraccess.com/csun2006-casestudy.htm. I am now preparing a
detailed version of the paper; please write if you want to receive a copy
when it is ready.

Alan

Alan Cantor
Cantor Access Inc.
[log in to unmask]
www.cantoraccess.com

TITLE:
Innovative Accommodation Strategies for Computer-Intensive Work: A Case
Study

ABSTRACT:
This case study showcases three rarely-used strategies for accommodating
computerized work: macros, user interface modifications, and training on
keyboard-only access to Windows. The accommodation focused on teaching an
employee with an upper-body mobility impairment to use a keyboard more
effectively. Prior to being accommodated, she relied heavily on a regular
mouse and MouseKeys. Yet the mouse and MouseKeys caused her to work slowly,
make mistakes, and leave tasks unfinished.

In an effort to reduce the physical and cognitive effort of operating a PC,
I modified the user interface of Windows and Windows-based applications;
developed 17 macros to automate repetitive procedures and work-around
software
inconsistencies; and provided intensive training on keyboard-only access
to Windows. After, she completed a task that used to take her over an hour
in 16 minutes.

In addition to quadrupling her productivity, the accommodation brought
health and safety dividends. She experienced excruciating back spasms from
overusing the mouse. The spasms, which were so painful that she sometimes
missed work, began to abate. Six weeks after completing this training
program, she reported that the spasms were much less of a problem.

SESSION INFORMATION:
CSUN Conference, Los Angeles
La Jolla B, Hilton
24 March 2006
9:20 - 10:20 a.m.

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